The Reds are reportedly prepared to trade both Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake, but while there’s been a good deal of speculation about the possibility of packaging Cueto and closer Aroldis Chapman, the team is not presently entertaining the notion, tweets USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. If the Reds do decide to make Chapman available — and based on Nightengale’s wording, there’s been no decision on that front yet — the preference would be to move the pair in separate transactions.
There’s less motivation for the Reds to move Chapman in the coming two weeks than there is for the team to move Cueto and Leake, as Chapman still has one season of team control remaining beyond the current campaign. Of course, that season will be an expensive one. Chapman’s earning $8.05MM in 2015 and is due a raise in arbitration this winter. Given his brilliant numbers — 32 saves, 1.69 ERA, 65-to-20 K/BB ratio in 37 1/3 innings — it’s easy to envision his price tag soaring into the $11-12MM range. Chapman did, after all, receive a $3.05MM raise this past offseason on the strength of similar numbers in 2014.
It would seem to me that if the plan is to trade Cueto and Leake at peak value, then moving Chapman is a reasonable step as well. His value certainly goes down following the season — he’ll have less team control and a higher price tag — and the 2016 season could be one of transition for the Reds. He’d still fetch a haul this winter or even next July, but when considering the number of teams needing bullpen help and the lack of clear sellers on the market, it’s easy to see that Chapman would be among the game’s most coveted trade targets.
Well that’s pretty dumb…unless those two don’t like each other for some reason. They are saying “we’d rather get more, lesser prospects than better, cant-miss ones.”
I think it is fair to demand a can’t miss prospect for Chapman alone.
I think making them two separate trades actually increases each players value and the return we get. Especially if they are traded to separate teams.
As a Reds fan, I’d rather pull off several trades regarding a bevy of prospects, rather than pin my hopes on one or two higher-rated guys.
No it’s smart. Same reason companies split up the companies they acquire before selling the pieces off. You get more, because there are more potential customers. In this case, if they package Chapman and Cueto they’re only talking to a few teams that need both, and they’d be asking for basically an entire top of the farm. You split them up you bring in all the teams looking only for a starter or a reliever, and can ask for less from each.
I understand that in concept, but you are wrong in saying “a few teams that need both” when every single team in MLB could use both. Additionally, Chapman has further control for 2016, so teams that might shy away from the big name prospect due to Ceuto’s “rental” stigma would definitely be more open to it knowing that they’re getting a vital, all-star piece at the top of his game for 2016.
There are less teams with the assets to aquire both
Theo, I’m shocked it took as long as it did for someone to make that point. What teams out there have the prospects, or the young controllable players that they can reasonably put on the table?
Also 13 mil for a closer isnt cheap. Especially for a team like the blue jays who are already at the top of their payroll.
Why do the Reds care? If you can’t pay and aren’t willing to give up more for the Reds to eat salary, move along.
If I’m Toronto, I would target a package of Leake, JJ Hoover and one of Badenhop/Parra. That would hopefully only cost 2 of our top prospects not named Norris or Hoffman
If I’m Toronto I want to win. I would target Cueto and Chapman and would consider including both Hoffman and Norris among others to get it done!
Unless we are able to sign 1 or 2 FA’s this offseason, those two have a very good chance of being in our rotation next year. And plus I would be extremely uncomfortable giving up our 2 top prospects for 3 months of Cueto when we really still have a good chance of missing the playoffs
We have an historic offense and look at how many wins this team gave away in the first half by of our closing situation. You have to take a chance at it.
We have to sign someone regardless you can’t have a rotation next year of Stroman/hutch/Sanchez/Norris/Hoffman they would account for about 3 years of major league service time combined
Do you also believe in the Tooth Fairy?
Smart move. “Bundling” trade bait always lowers the price. Just ask Frank from American Pickers.
Ask anyone who has ever bought weed….
Cueto for Brett Phillips and Colin Moran
Chapman, Manny Parra and Leake for Hoffman and Dwight Smith jr
If Phillips is available, I really hope Cole warms up to the idea of going to Houston because I’d love to acquire a Phillips led package.
Agree , I think That whats tips the Scales for Phils, Buy Cole a New House next Old man Bush in Houston, that will make him green with envy.
For a 3 month Rental !
The Tiger would be happy to talk Chapman, and Leake.
For what? Tigers have literally nothing to sell.
true, They are the next coming of the Phillies !
In 10 years
Cueto might head to Houston for a package of. Santana. Preston Tucker and Vincent V. – not sure they give up Phillips who might be the best hitting prospect they have.
Might? Thats like the biggest overpay ever. Velazquez shouldnt be in any deal for a rental
Package or no Package trade them all before it’s too Late !
seems like right now, it’s more of a buyers market. a lot of key names being mentioned and there isn’t an urgency to take on huge contracts and/or give up top prospects.